Bill > SB843

This bill modifies existing Oklahoma law regarding relationships between school district board members and school district employees, specifically addressing situations where a board member is related to an employee. The changes primarily adjust the exceptions to the prohibition on such relationships, particularly for smaller school districts. For school districts with an average daily membership (ADM) of less than 5,000, the prohibition will not apply if the related employee is a substitute teacher or a temporary substitute support employee. Additionally, for school districts with an ADM of less than 550 (increased from 400), the prohibition will not apply if the board has adopted a policy allowing such eligibility and the board member complies with specific disclosure requirements. The bill also clarifies that if a relationship is based on affinity (marriage), existing board members can continue serving their current terms and successive terms unless their spouse is the employee or a board member, in which case the prohibition applies. The bill also includes provisions for board members to continue serving successive terms if the relationship is established after they are already serving, and outlines specific rules for board members related to employees regarding participation in personnel matters and voting on collective bargaining agreements or contract renewals, especially when their vote is needed for a quorum. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and is declared an emergency measure.

Education

http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb843&Session=2600